Coleman shuts down the Devils

Gerald Coleman stopped 31 shots, leading the Portland Pirates to a 3-0 win over the Lowell Devils at Tsongas Arena on Wednesday night.

According to Kevin Dineen, it was one of the best game the team played this season.

“It was the most physical game we’ve had,” he said in a Press Herald interview. “I wouldn’t say by grinding, but as far as out-and- out hits, there are a few that will make the highlight film.”

The Pirates would get goals from Andrew Ebbett (his sixth of the season), Brian Salcido and Tyler Bouck. Geoff Platt would get an assist on Ebbett’s goal giving him seven points (3g, 4a) in his first four games in a Pirates uniform, it matches his points total with his former team in Syracuse where he played 15 games.

Andrew Ebbett kept up his points-scoring streak as he now has scored at least one point in his last four games. He’s now tied for second in AHL scoring with 22 points, three being Manchester’s Teddy Purcell.

The Pirates played a smart game, something they hadn’t done for a full 60 minutes all season long. They dictated the play and took it the Devils, as they never gave the Devils a chance to get into any type of rhythm.

This is something the Pirates will look to build on over their next stretch of games. Portland has another three-in-three this weekend with a game on road against Providence on Friday and then back home on Saturday to take on the Manchester Monarchs. They will end the weekend with a return trip to Tsongas Arena taking on the Devils for a 4:05pm match up on Sunday afternoon.